CPVC vs. Copper in a new home

[angela wheeler]

I have the opportunity to purchase a new home that is reasonably priced. One concern I have is that they are using CPVC instead of copper. My preference would be copper. I want to know if there are any great short-comings of the CPVC and what the cost increase would be to switch to copper. The home is a two-story with 2 1/2 baths, 2 hose bibs and the usual kitchen fixtures

Thanks,
Scott

[fourth yearParticipant]

One shortcoming is that they usually use the same size CPVC as they would if they used copper. But since CPVC has a thicker wall and the outside size is the same a copper, the opening is almost one size smaller. Because of geometry, the opening’s area reduces dramatically, this makes the pipes capacity almost half of that of copper. The cost is whatever he wants to charge, since he is the only one that will be permitted to do the work until you own the residence and by that time it will be too late, and too expensive, to convert to copper. We encounter this in commercial buildings quite frequently. The installing contractor can over charge up to almost what it will cost the tenant to install it himself afterwards and it will still be cheaper for the tenant to pay it.

[scottmummaParticipant]

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In reply to message posted by fourth year:
One shortcoming is that they usually use the same size CPVC as they would if they used copper. But since CPVC has a thicker wall and the outside size is the same a copper, the opening is almost one size smaller. Because of geometry, the opening’s area reduces dramatically, this makes the pipes capacity almost half of that of copper. The cost is whatever he wants to charge, since he is the only one that will be permitted to do the work until you own the residence and by that time it will be too late, and too expensive, to convert to copper. We encounter this in commercial buildings quite frequently. The installing contractor can over charge up to almost what it will cost the tenant to install it himself afterwards and it will still be cheaper for the tenant to pay it.

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Is there any reduction in life expectancy with the CPVC as opposed to copper?

[fourth yearParticipant]

It can be a local situation. In Phoenix, the CPVC is installed in the attics and when it gets hot, the fittings can fail occasionally. And since it is in the attic, the cold water supply is always hot in the summertime. Copper is installed under the slabs so the water in is remains cool. In your area, copper and plastic might both be installed in a basement or attic, so that would not be a consideration for you.

[Author]

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